Workforce diversity has become a strategic concern for organizations seeking to improve innovation, employee productivity, and sustainable organizational performance in an increasingly competitive business environment. This study examined the effect of workforce diversity on organizational performance among selected manufacturing firms in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of gender diversity, age diversity, cultural diversity, educational diversity, and religious diversity on organizational performance. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. A population of 241 employees was drawn from five selected manufacturing firms, while a sample size of 150 respondents was determined using the Yamane (1967) formula. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire, of which 144 valid copies were retrieved, representing a 96% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and multiple linear regression analysis with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that all five dimensions of workforce diversity significantly and positively influenced organizational performance. Religious diversity emerged as the strongest predictor of organizational performance, followed by gender diversity, age diversity, cultural diversity, and educational diversity. The regression model was statistically significant (F = 75.641, p < 0.05), indicating that workforce diversity is an important determinant of organizational performance in the selected manufacturing firms. The study concludes that organizations that effectively manage workforce diversity through inclusive policies, equal employment opportunities, and employee development programmes are more likely to enhance innovation, collaboration, employee commitment, and long-term organizational success. The study recommends that manufacturing firms should strengthen diversity management strategies, promote inclusive organizational cultures, and implement continuous diversity training to maximize the benefits associated with workforce diversity.

Keywords: Workforce Diversity, Organizational Performance, Gender Diversity, Age Diversity, Cultural Diversity, Educational Diversity, Religious Diversity, Manufacturing Firms, Nigeria.